But a Wellesbourne motorist believes He certainly gave her Nissan Micra a helping hand in the recent floods.

Sara Serpell says the power of prayer helped her and a friend get home to Willow Drive from a quiet day at the Offa House Christian retreat, in Offchurch, after the heavens opened on July 20.

The lay preacher at St Peter's church, Wellesbourne, said: "When we started the journey home at 4pm, we realised how bad the situation was and as the flooding grew worse we realised we both needed to pray - hard.

"I remember saying out loud 'please get us through this'. Then suddenly the words came to me 'do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you'. I was nervous because I had never driven through such floods before. But as I went into the first really deep part, I knew I was being told firmly 'keep in second, rev hard and go slowly'."

While larger cars become swamped and stranded at the side of the road, Mrs Serpell's one-litre motor made stately progress - with a little extra omnipotent help in terms of directions.

She added: "There was a notice at Bronson Hill saying the exit off the Fosse Way was closed, so we tried Ashorne and then the route through Gaydon. As we inched forwards it was as if a voice said 'try Lighthorne'.

"So we did and somehow we got through - only to see a large notice as we got back warning us not to go the way we had come."

Mrs Serpell feels the many stories from that day have been put into perspective by news of the devastating floods on the Indian subcontinent. And she feels for her neighbours, many of whom suffered damage to their homes.

But she says she will remember July 20 not for a horrible journey, but for the remarkable feeling of calm and support she experienced. She added: "It's a difficult thing to say, because I suppose many people prayed for help that day, but I definitely felt I was guided. And I feel lucky to have had my friend, who was so calm and so strong in her faith."

Mrs Serpell is also considering writing a letter of thanks to Nissan.

l Have you felt the hand of God at work in your life? Call our newsdesk on 457737.